The Assembly Member met with Dr Peter Higson, Chairman of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, and some of the people and pets who volunteer with the Robins, Royal Voluntary Service, and Therapy Dogs, at Llandudno Hospital on 18/11/16.
She was originally inspired to have a meeting following her own personal experience with a Robin. Indeed, she wanted an opportunity to thank them, and other volunteers, and find out how she could help and support them.
Speaking after the meeting Janet Finch-Saunders commented that:
‘I am extremely grateful to Ms Sue Marriott for organising the meeting today, and for all the time and effort she puts into coordinating volunteers across our Health board’.
‘Hearing the various stories from numerous volunteers, young and old, really did highlight the fact that they are all greatly valued by both the hospital’s staff and patients’.
‘I agree with a comment Dr Higson made to the volunteers today: that they are not add-ons, but a vital part of the hospitals’.
‘Certainly, we should not overlook the vitally important role these selfless individuals play. For example, it was heart touching hearing how the RVS are raising money in Bangor to buy TVs for every ward, how the Robins are there to offer a helping hand to so many, and the major impact the therapy dogs have. It must be stated that since its foundation on 1st April 2016, Therapy Dogs really has succeeded to touch the hearts of both patients and staff’.
‘It is these volunteers who really do bring the human aspect to the wards, enabling patients to improve through both medicine and companionship’
‘The NHS is far richer because of volunteers, so I ask everybody to consider giving their time and join one of the invaluable voluntary teams who really have become the Health Board’s Heroes’